Graham Henry mentoring NRL Warriors

The struggling Warriors have turned to rugby union’s World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry to mentor Andrew McFadden and his NRL squad.

Engulfed by a prescription drugs scandal and sitting 10th on the ladder, the move to bring in former All Blacks coach Henry was the brainchild of Warriors managing director Jim Doyle.

Henry will be a familiar sight at the under-performing Auckland-based club over the next month to provide support for the first-grade squad and the football department.

The 69-year-old Henry has known McFadden on a social level for some time and says he has a lot of time for him as a coach and enjoys his company.

“We’ve had some healthy discussions about coaching previously and I’m thrilled to have the chance to be able to work with him, to observe the organisation and to provide some feedback,” said Henry, who guided the All Blacks to their home 2011 World Cup triumph.

McFadden said the arrival of Henry followed discussions with Doyle last year about engaging a mentor.

“I’ve always been open to the idea of having extra support to help me to develop and improve,” he said.

“Jim and I have considered a number of options but it was important to take time to find the person who best fitted the position and was available to help.”

McFadden stepped up from being Warriors assistant into his first head coaching role early in the 2014 season after the departure of Matthew Elliott.

He has faced constant questions about his security in the position since the Warriors ended last season with a run of eight defeats.

After an 0-3 start to 2016, the Warriors have improved to 4-5.

But they have also been hit by off-field issues, with six players dropped a fortnight ago and then prevented from playing representative football for breaching team rules.

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